Many cat owners are unaware that a lot of the behaviors our cats display — whether they are living in a high-rise apartment building in New York or in a condo in California — have direct bearing on their true nature in the wild. It’s important to respect your cat’s natural instincts and behaviors and adapt them for a domestic setting. Cats are natural hunters with an innate prey drive, and they appreciate toys that help them hone their hunting and pouncing skills. Similarly, their schedules are dictated by natural instincts as they are on the prowl at dawn. That's why they are looking to wake us up and get us down to the kitchen. Leaving a dry kibble snack out will keep your cat satisfied until you are ready to start your day. Kit out your home to simulate other natural traits. Give your cat a nice tall kitty condo to escape to and a tall scratching post. A cat drinking fountain re-creates fresh running water in the wild, and feeding your cat from a flat plate instead of a tiny bowl is more natural too, because cats naturally eat on flat surfaces.

It’s much safer for cats to lead an indoor lifestyle, but they do miss out on the sights and sounds of nature. Felines are active, energetic animals and if your cat sleeps all day, it's because she’s bored and lonely. Compensate by engaging in short play sessions whenever you can and give your cat toys to keep it busy. Toss around soft, catnip-filled mice and crinkly balls. Place your cat's condo near an open window for “live entertainment,” allowing it to people watch or keep an eye on birds and insects in the garden. Cats enjoy such social interaction and it's a great way to enhance your bond. Your cat will look forward to play time and possibly even bring its toys to you.

Cats need privacy and places to where they can sleep or simply escape from household activities. This is particularly important in multi-cat households, especially if the cats aren't best friends but just tolerate each other. Cats that don't really get along are constantly under stress. A great way to improve their living space is to go vertical and give them overhead walkways and even shelves to sit on. Place scratchers and kitty condos in different rooms, too, preferably where they can look out on a garden or patio.

Cats are not aloof, anti-social creatures as often claimed. Encourage social interaction with games, and reward good behavior and responses with treats. It’s a great way to build your relationship because ultimately, your cat will want to do things that it knows will please you. Set up a routine whereby your cat learns that it gets a treat every evening just before bedtime. Eventually, the cat will learn to wait at the treat jar for a snack and some additional love.

Cats are notorious for masking symptoms when they aren't feeling well, whether it's a minor tummy upset or a serious illness such a renal failure, diabetes or heart disease. It's your responsibility as your cat’s primary caregiver to see that it gets an annual wellness visit at the vet’s office — even if the cat “looks fine.” This is probably the most important thing you can do to enhance your human-animal bond. In addition, it’s important to see to needs such as flea and tick prevention. This is now a year-round problem in many parts of the country. Dental checks are extremely important, too. Cats are very good at hiding tooth and gum issues, so check carefully.

Just like people, cats have different nutritional needs according to their life stages. Feeding them age-appropriate and even perhaps breed-specific foods can greatly improve their overall health and well being. Cats are carnivores, so protein is important in their daily diet. It’s equally important that they stay properly hydrated. Good nutrition helps keep cats healthy and shows itself in terms of a glossy coat, too. Cats are very efficient self-groomers, but need help, especially if they have long hair or are of advanced age. Consider grooming a wonderful way to spend quality time with your cat.

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dj0454

Our cat who is 3 years old has a teething problem still...He likes to eat plastic...He chewed thru my headphone cord to my new Senheiser Headphones and that really irrated me since I paid $80 for them...The Cat Meow toy will distract his attention when he gets bored looking..But he gets tired of toys easily..

I was able to adopt a feral cat by doing the following: When I found her, she was hungry but hidden in the flowers. I put a dish of cat food there and went inside. The next day, it was gone. I put the dish closer to the door each day until she realized that I wouldn't hurt her and I was her food source. She began rubbing around my feet. When at last I put her dish inside the door, she cautiously came in and decided it was good. She still lives outside but comes in when I call her and stays for a nap then leaves. Try this, it might work for you.

These tips are great for understanding our feline loves who live inside with us but would you please give tips to those of us love and care for ferals. They are most difficult to care for since they don't accept our touch, our longing to protect them, care for them. I have been feeding two ferals three times a day for two years through three sets of kittens and they still run from me when I feed them. How can I get them to accept my touch.

I am the proud accepted human of five cats. Its a lot of responsibility and care but we all manage to get along and respect one another. Each one has it own personality and they all know how to work me to get what they want. All are fixed and healthy. I'm glad I have a big home for them to live in and plenty of scratching posts and climbing areas. What great company they are for me. The mindset of a cat owner is really a power of love and affection.Love to all out there...

I have a dog and 2 cats My cats are totally different in personality. One {Lovey) was a stray kitten my daughter found and gave to me. She can be aloof at times but sleeps on my lap and in my bed. The other (Blacker} adopted me. He showed up at my back door. I started feedinghim outside as he wouldn't allow you near him. Now he is a lover He has the loudest purrI have ever heard. Now he sits on my lap, still prefers to stay outside but comes in for short time Love them both

I found a very young kitten in the soybeen field one day. She was just a very small wild cat and as soon as I would look toward her she would immediately hid in the bushes. for the next several days I would come with a piece of bacon which I left there. It took two months for the kitten to actually wait for me and follow me to the house. Now she loves me and does not move away from me. She will not let anyone else touch her. She will walk with me on the property whenever I go. I will confirm the statement above that cats love to rub their faces with people they love.